Research
Change Happens Here
We are a college on the rise, and we are redefining how to tackle big problems.
The Office of Research Administration is dedicated to empowering the innovative spirit of our faculty, students, and research staff across the college and its affiliated research centers. Our mission is to catalyze groundbreaking research by providing comprehensive support at every stage of the research process.
$40.41M
Total Grant Funding for College and Research Centers
60%
Of Tenure-Track and Research Faculty are Funded through External Grants
97
Articles Published by Faculty and Over 5,400 Faculty Citations in 2023
Empowering Research and Innovation
We help investigators navigate funding opportunities, turning visionary ideas into compelling proposals. Our team specializes in creating detailed budgets and managing post-award activities, ensuring every project meets and exceeds university, agency, state, and federal standards.
As a key link to the UTK Office of Research Innovation and Economic Development, we connect UT experts with public and private partners to drive collaboration and innovation. Together, we advance knowledge and make a lasting impact in our fields and beyond.
Research Areas
Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse
ACEs
Integrated Treatment
Mental and Behavioral Health
Substance Abuse
Technology and Treatment
Trauma
Benefits of Nature
Child/Youth Development and Wellbeing
Child/Youth Development and Wellbeing
Juvenile Violence
Neuro
School Social Work
Economic and Environmental Justice
Economic and Environmental Justice
- Stan Bowie
- Zibei Chen
- Stephen McGarity
- Stacia Martin-West
Welfare Reform and Economic Justice
Equity and Disparities
Equity and Disparities
Aging and Gerontology
Culturally-Relevant and Trauma-Informed Practice
Housing and Homelessness
Housing and Homelessness
- Stan Bowie
- Courtney Cronley
- Stacia Martin-West
- Stephen McGarity
Macro and Organizational-Level Work
Macro and Organizational-Level Work
Community Planning and Social Policy
Macro Social Work
Medical and Physical Health
Medical and Physical Health
Disabilities
Social Work Education and Online
Social Work Education and Online
Featured Projects
Intervention Research
Treating Young Adult Cannabis Use Disorder with Text Message-Delivered Peer Network Counseling (aka The Weed Study).
This study, funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, tested a text-delivered treatment designed to reduce cannabis use in 1078 young adults from Tennessee and Colorado. Results show that the treatment worked best to reduce cannabis use when it increased participants’ readiness to change and their protective behavioral strategies.
For more details, contact Dr. Michael Mason at mmason29@utk.edu.
Interdisciplinary, Community-Engaged Science
REACH: Rural Integrative Connected Healthcare
Funded by the National Science Foundation, the REACH project, led by Dr. Zhenbo Wang and Dr. Courtney Cronley, uses unmanned aerial systems (drones) to deliver essential resources to socially excluded individuals in rural areas. By combining engineering and social sciences, this project addresses income, transportation, and information barriers, aiming to build resilient, future-ready communities through innovative, socially just technology.
For more information, contact Dr. Courtney Cronley at ccronle1@utk.edu.
Environmental Justice
Extreme Heat during Pregnancy: Identifying, Developing, and Testing a Media Toolkit
Funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, this study explores responses to extreme heat during pregnancy and how risk communication can enhance weather-related decision-making. Findings indicate increased weather information consumption and awareness of heat-related health risks, but limited engagement in protective actions. A media toolkit is in development to boost awareness and promote health-protective actions.
For more details, contact Dr. Lisa Zottarelli at lzottare@utk.edu.
SWORPS
Tennessee Child Support and Parenting Program (TCSEPP)
Funded by the Tennessee Department of Human Services, TCSEPP has been implemented by SWORPS in East Tennessee for 20 years and will expand statewide over the next three years. This program offers comprehensive, trauma-informed, evidence-based services to parents in the child support system, aiming to enhance well-being and support family success. Participants benefit from improved goal-setting for economic mobility, stronger parent/child bonds, effective coping strategies, and increased child support payments.
Recent Research News
Leading Social Work Research
In addition to faculty led research, the CSW Office of Research Administration also collaborates with or supports a number of research centers and affiliate research programs.